By Nyame-Kye Kondo
Special to the AFRO
The AFRO had the pleasure of catching up with some Washingtonians as they went about their daily lives. We asked five individuals to name their favorite Black-owned businesses in the area and their answers reflected both the shared culture and varied interests of the African-American community.
Dezhane Moore – Educator and hair aficionado
Dezhane Moore, a Washington, D.C.-based educator, is all about keeping her hair “slayed and laid.” When asked to name her favorite Black-owned business, she didn’t hesitate: Styled by Ry, located in Lanham, Md.
“Ry is a really good hairstylist and she always slays my hair,” Moore shared. “I think I’ve had my hair done by her at least eight times. She does my lace wigs and I love how good I look every time.”
If you’re looking to get your “do done right,” check out Ry at her suite. Appointments can be booked via Instagram: @styledbyry.
Lanre Lagoke – Comedian and soul food enthusiast
Comedian Lanre Lagoke knows a thing or two about a good time—and a good meal. His favorite Black-owned business is none other than the iconic Florida Avenue Grill.
Founded in 1942 by Lacey C. Williams Sr. and his wife, Bertha, Florida Avenue Grill began as a humble food stand during segregation and grew into a cherished soul food institution. It has endured decades of change, including the civil rights era and the 1968 D.C. riots, while serving up timeless classics like grits, collard greens, corn muffins and fried chicken.
“Florida Avenue Grill is bussin’! Great seasoning and taste, staff is great, and the restaurant feels like you’re among family,” Lanre said. His go-to order? “Fried catfish, mac and cheese, greens… you can’t go wrong.”
Yeabserra Abebe – Flower lover and community connector
For Yeabserra Abebe, nothing lifts the spirit quite like a vibrant floral arrangement. Her top pick? The legendary Lee’s Flower Shop on U Street.
“It’s more than just a place to buy flowers; it’s an important part of Washington, D.C. history,” she explained.
Founded in 1945 by William and Winnifred Lee, Lee’s Flower Shop is one of the oldest Black-owned flower shops in the country. Known for its stunning arrangements and community care, it’s a cornerstone of the U Street corridor.
“Every arrangement feels like it was made with love, symbolic of the vibrancy that radiates from the neighborhood,” Yeabserra said.
Sakinah Davina – Herbal healing advocate
Credit: Courtesy photo“My favorite Black-owned business in Washington, D.C., is Blue Nile Botanicals,” says Sakinah Davina. “When I got sick in 2017, Blue Nile was where I got all my herbs—and they helped me heal. I didn’t have to get surgery.”
For over 30 years, Blue Nile Botanicals has served as a healing hub in the D.C. community. Located at 2028 Georgia Ave. NW, the shop offers global herbs, essential oils, incense, spices and holistic remedies.
“It was always uplifting and fun to be in the store during that time,” Sakinah recalled. “It actually elevated my life.”
Beezy Young – Multidisciplinary artist and cultural visionary
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Beezy Young is a multidisciplinary artist whose favorite Black-owned business is their very own: By Beezy.
A self-taught painter and digital illustrator, Beezy draws inspiration from neoexpressionism and today’s political climate, using mixed media and abstract forms to create work that uplifts marginalized communities. Their art is both personal and public, with works featured across D.C., including designing a T-shirt for the Washington Mystics basketball team, painting public murals like the one Beezy is pictured with in the photo and a permanent installation on a traffic stop in the neighborhood that they grew up in, Riggs Park.
“It’s my creative sanctuary, where I create art that speaks life into people,” Beezy said.
When asked what they love most about their artwork and how they are able to share it, they responded, “What I love most are the affirmations tucked into every piece, and the variety of products. Art belongs everywhere—in every form—and it should be accessible to everyone.”
You can explore Beezy’s work on Instagram: @by.beezy. Catch them next at The Black Girl Art Show on Aug. 17.